Music news: What is BBC Introducing and which artists has it supported?
Music News Blitz’s Grace Moore explains all there is to know about BBC Introducing and the impact it has on artists.
Over the years, BBC Introducing has been the starting point for some of music’s biggest stars.
During her headline performance at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend on Sunday, Olivia Dean reflected on her musical journey.
She spoke about her previous appearance at Big Weekend in 2023, where she performed on the BBC Introducing stage.
What is BBC Introducing?
BBC Music Introducing is the BBC’s own platform, which aims to spotlight upcoming and unsigned musical talent around the UK.
Every year, around 72,000 tracks from emerging artists are played on both local and national radio shows across the BBC.
Artists can submit their music through the Introducing website, where it can be considered for radio broadcast.
The platform can help musicians gain their first radio play or get their first festival booking.
Introducing also hosts gigs around the country to showcase artists that hide under the radar.
Which artists have received support from BBC Introducing?
Many of the biggest artists in the UK music scene have been supported by BBC Introducing at the beginning of their careers.
Ed Sheeran received his first radio play on the platform and performed at Reading Festival on the BBC Introducing stage in 2011.
Global superstar Florence + The Machine also performed for BBC Introducing back in 2008.
Other notable acts that have received support include Tom Grennan, Sam Fender, Lewis Capaldi and RAYE.
Why is BBC Introducing so important?
For independent artists, BBC Introducing can be a pivotal step in their career.
The chances it provides are irreplaceable - it can just take one radio appearance or festival performance for an artist to break through and blow up, but not everybody gets the platform to.
Olivia Dean, who is currently taking the global music scene by storm, emphasised just how important BBC Introducing still is to her during her headline slot at BBC R1 Big Weekend last Sunday.
In 2023, Dean performed on the BBC Introducing stage at the Big Weekend in Dundee.
In the space of just 3 years, she has now headlined the festival on top of selling out a full UK and European arena tour.
“To think about everything that's happened since then is just crazy, and I'm just so grateful that you're here,” she said.
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Where can I catch a BBC Introducing show this year?
BBC Introducing has stages at many of the major UK festivals.
Of course, they had a stage at the BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, but they are also appearing at Reading and Leeds, TRNSMT and The Great Escape this year.
BBC Introducing host showcases across the year at different grassroots venues around the country.
The best way to find out about any gigs near you is by keeping an eye out on socials - remember, you just might find the next Olivia Dean or Ed Sheeran!
Who are some current acts on the BBC Introducing radar?
BBC Music Introducing are hosting a range of talented artists over this year’s festival season.
At BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, many local North East artists such as Heidi Curtis, Tom A Smith, Finn Forster and Jenna Cole performed on the BBC Introducing stage.
North Western indie band Arkayla will be performing at TRNSMT Festival in Glasgow, alongside Dublin-based band Basht, Galway singer Jamie McIntyre and rising star Ellur.
Reading and Leeds are yet to announce their BBC Introducing line-up for this summer, but it will certainly also include some incredible upcoming talent.
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